An Experience of a Lifetime
Studying abroad can be frightening experience. Traveling across the world to a different country with different customs and practices. However, there are so many benefits to studying abroad; everyone should experience it at least once in their life time.
When I studied abroad, I ended up in Europe in Spain. Prior to studying abroad, it is important that one takes the time to learn about the culture. While we are all living on the same planet other countries have a completely different way of life.
Spanish Culture
Spain is a predominantly Roman Catholic country with approximately 94% of the population affiliated to that religion. Spaniards are a very religious type of people. Religious history is apparent in every town, where the most grandiose building is typically a cathedral. During Holy Week, which is April 14–20, processions take place when participants wear a capirote which is a pointed hat of conical form They walk barefoot and carry a burden which is symbolic of a penitent. Holy Week is a wonderful time for people in Spain, there is a massive celebration and every part of Spain gets to take part in the festivities.
Another pertinent part of culture in Spain is the food. Since Spain is on the Southwestern border of Europe bordering the Mediterranean Sea, food is predominately seafood and fresh dishes. A sacred dish in Spain is paella. Paella is typically cooked outside over an open flame in a huge pan and is only prepared on special occasions. The defining characteristic of paella is saffron, which gives it a bright yellow color. Paella typically has shrimp, chicken, mussels and vegetables on a bed of bright yellow rice.
One part of the culture which is undeniable is Spaniards love for fútbol also known as soccer. Here in America we are one of the only countries that values football over soccer; also known as fútbol. Everywhere else around the world fútbol is a huge part of the culture. Spanish fútbol fans are some of the most dedicated fans in all of Europe. The entire country comes to a stop when there is an important game, the whole country is dedicated. When a game is on people, normally watch the games at the bars, home or stadiums. If they watch the game from home, they will invite friends or family over to cheer for their team. At the stadium, it is like a different world. Before the game even starts, you can feel the energy in the environment. The stadium is filled with screaming fans wearing jerseys and waving flags. During the game, fans sing, cheer, yell at referees and the other team.
There are so many beautiful cities in Spain filled with amazing foods and architecture. When traveling abroad I visited many different parts of Spain, the first place I stayed when I landed in Europe was Malaga.
Malaga
Malaga is one of the world’s oldest cities; the city was founded by the Phoenicians in 770 B.C . The architecture is beautiful, walking through the streets is like walking through history. The buildings are hundreds of years old, there are castles and beautiful cities. Pablo Picasso was born in Malaga, and the city is dedicated to remembering the great and famous artist. Casa Natal, Picasso’s birthplace, is open to the public and gives a view of the artists early years. There is also “The Museo Picasso Malaga” this is a beautiful museum that features 285 works of Picasso that were donated by his family. Inside the museum guests are not allowed to take photos of the precious artwork, the employees of the museum stress that each person focus on the art and experience it instead of just capturing an image.
Seville
The next place I traveled after Malaga was Seville. The focal point of Seville is the famous Seville Cathedral. Aside from its massive size and beautiful architecture it is also the final burial place of Christopher Columbus. Seville is also the birth place of Tapas. Going out to get Tapas is a very popular thing to do in Spain. Tapas are essentially appetizers, Spaniards go from bar to bar with their friends and family getting one tapas per bar. Tapas can range from meatballs, shrimp, patatas bravas (spicy fried potatoes), to fried squid. Each dish is more delicious than the next.
Cadiz
After Seville, I then traveled to Cadiz. Cádiz is an ancient port city in the Andalucia region of southwestern Spain. The home of the Spanish Navy. It has more than 100 watchtowers, including the iconic Torre Tavira, which was traditionally used for spotting ships. Cadiz is said to be the oldest city in western Europe, as it was founded by Phoenician sailors about 3,000 years ago, as a commercial stronghold. Archeological remains can be found all around the old town.
While Spain has so many beautiful cities that are filled with so many people it is actually the size of the state of Texas.
The big cities like Madrid and Barcelona while they are beautiful for some the amount of people can feel overwhelming at times. A lot of Spaniards prefer the small town feel, like Cadiz. These small towns are much more relaxed and one can walk through the city without hundred of people around. After traveling from city to city, I settled down and lived with a family. The family I stayed with was the Castro’s, my father’s name is Jose, my mother; Nueves and my sister’s name is Carlota. My Spanish father was a lieutenant of the Spanish Navy and we lived on a naval base. They taught me the in’s and out’s of Spain and the beauty of smaller cities.
When traveling to Spain, it is important to check the population if someone is easily overwhelmed by big cities or a lot of people. Then towns like Cadiz would be more appropriate as opposed to cities like Malaga or Madrid.
Benefits of Studying Abroad
- Language Skills
When traveling abroad to a country with a different language, it can be quite intimidating. However, when actually arriving in the country it can be exciting to learn a new language. Studying abroad grants you the opportunity to completely immerse yourself in a new language, and there is no better way to learn than to dive right in. It is also an opportunity for Spaniards to strengthen their English. People in Spain have been learning English their whole lives however, they do not get to use it much. When I studied abroad my Spanish got immensely better as well as my host sister’s English was strengthened as well.
2. See The World
One big reason one should consider studying abroad is just the blatant fact that you get to see the world and experience a life outside of the norm. By studying abroad, you will experience a brand-new country with incredible new outlooks, customs and activities. The benefits of studying abroad include the opportunity to see new terrains, natural wonders, museums and landmarks of your host nation. Another great thing about studying abroad is you will most likely visit other countries besides your host country. In Europe everything is so close in proximity. Staying in Spain, it is easy to get to Portugal, France and other neighboring countries.
3. Personal Growth
While studying abroad, the opportunities are endless especially in regards to academic purposes. There are a variety of programs to choose from: some immerse you directly in a foreign culture and language, while others ease you into a culture shock with support services designed specifically for study abroad students. With so many unique programs, it may be easy to find a good fit for your personality and goals. Not only do you get to surround yourself with a new network of global friends, but you may learn about yourself by indulging in a new and exciting lifestyle. Globalizing yourself may help you understand how you, as an individual, fit into this world.
4. Gain Confidence
Studying abroad can be overwhelming, but the challenges you overcome can help you become a more mature person. You’ll find out that you can often thrive in new, unexpected circumstances, and you’ll boost your communication skills by speaking a new language and further improve your self-confidence.
Quickly adapting to your new environment will help your self-reliance and resilience. From small tasks, like going out to eat and order, to larger issues, like learning how to adapt to a different culture’s management styles, your daily life can help you become a more capable person.
5. Make Lifelong Friends
One of the biggest benefits of studying abroad is the opportunity to meet new lifelong friends from different backgrounds. While studying abroad, you will live with students from your host country. This gives you the opportunity to really get to know and create lasting relationships with your fellow students.
After the study abroad program ends, make an effort stay in contact with your international friends. In addition to rewarding personal relationships, these friends can also be important networking tools later down the road.
After my stay was over in Spain, my host family offered to host me again for an entire year. We got extremely close, and we are still in contact today.
Studying abroad is not for everyone, it is a scary experience. However, if one wants to broaden his or her knowledge, network, create lifelong friendships and learn a new language, consider studying abroad. For many it was the best decision of their life. Spain was the place where I ended up, and I felt so lucky. Yet, there are so many amazing countries and cultures out there to experience.
